Trevor Noah returns as Grammy host with comfort, nervousness
Trevor Noah says he feels more comfortable hosting the Grammy Awards for a third-straight year, but the former “The Daily Show” host still has some nervousness about leading the ceremony with big-time acts like Beyoncé, Adele and Harry Styles looking on.
Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crowned
Jon Batiste won album of the year honors for “We Are” at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, giving him five trophies on a night that saw the ’70s funk of Silk Sonic take record of the year and song of the year and newcomer Olivia Rodrigo take three awards.
Kamala Harris art, 'Daily Show' lead Anthem Awards finalists
An art installation inspired by Vice President Kamala Harris, The New York Times’ “The 1619 Project” and “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” as well as charitable programs from Airbnb, Google, PayPal and the National Football League, are among the finalists for the inaugural Anthem Awards announced Tuesday.
Grammy Award ratings drop 51 percent to record low
CBS' Grammys telecast reached 9.2 million — television and streaming — viewers Sunday, the lowest number on record and a precipitous 51% drop from last year, the Nielsen company said. That followed the Golden Globes' 63% decline in ratings a few weeks ago and record low ratings for the Emmy Awards last fall. NBC had 4 million, ABC had 3.4 million, Fox had 2.6 million, Univision had 1.4 million, Ion Television had 1.2 million and Telemundo had 1 million. ABC's “World News Tonight" won the evening news ratings race, averaging 8.9 million viewers. “Grammy Awards,” CBS, 9.23 million.
The joy of music returns for Grammy winners, performers
Beyonce, left, and Megan Thee Stallion accept the award for best rap song for "Savage" at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish made history at the Grammy Awards. Just as joyously, dozens of creators largely sidelined for a year due to the pandemic got to make music again. 's topical “I Can't Breathe” won song of the year and Megan Thee Stallion was named best new artist. Further crowding the family trophy case is husband Jay-Z, whose songwriting on “Savage” earned him his 23rd Grammy on Sunday, and even their 9-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who won best music video together with mom.
Grammys' in memoriam especially long, grim in pandemic year
Brandi Carlile performs during the "In Memoriam" section of the 63rd Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)LOS ANGELES – Brandi Carlile paid tribute to John Prine, Bruno Mars celebrated Little Richard and Lionel Richie honored Kenny Rogers during an in memoriam segment on Sunday night's Grammy Awards that featured an especially long list of names after a year of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier Sunday, Prine won two posthumous Grammys for best American roots song and best American roots performance, a year after receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Grammys. Carlile told The Associated Press that it didn't bother her to be performing without an audience at the pandemic-restricted Grammys because "this time I’m just performing for John Prine. Corea, who died of a rare form of cancer at age 79, won the trophy for best improvised jazz solo and best jazz instrumental album.
Fashionable Grammys: Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles' boas
Doja Cat arrives at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. He was on hand in person but earlier created an Instagram red carpet moment with his daughter since no kids were allowed at the Los Angeles show. “I actually created a step and repeat and a red carpet,” she told reporters during a virtual news conference before the show. AdDue to pandemic precautions, the “red carpet” was not the usual mass of cameras and TV crews. AdAll three wore Gucci.
The Latest: Billie Eilish wins record of the year at Grammys
Billie Eilish arrives at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)NEW YORK – The Latest on the Grammy Awards (all times local):8:45 p.m.Billie Eillish has won the Grammy Award for record of the year for the second straight year. Beyoncé broke the record with her victory Sunday night for best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” surpassing the 27 Grammys won by Alison Krauss. DaBaby says he “feels like it’s going to touch everybody.”Ad— Marcela Isaza at the Grammy Awards (@misaza)___3:15 p.m.Brandi Carlile is excited to perform at Sunday’s Grammy Awards, even if there isn’t an audience. “Jojo Rabbit” and the “Joker” soundtrack also won Grammys in the segment of the show that awarded music created for visual media.
Ladies night: Beyoncé, Swift make history as others win big
Four women won the top four prizes Sunday, including Swift, who became the first female performer to win album of the year three times. Beyoncé — with her 28th win — became the most decorated woman in Grammy history. And 9-year-old Blue Ivy Carter — who won best music video alongside her mother — became the second youngest act to win a Grammy in the show’s 63-year history. Megan Thee Stallion, who won three honors, also made history and became the first female rapper to win best rap song. She's also the fifth rap-based act to win best new artist.
A peek behind the masks, precautions at the pandemic Grammys
Associated Press entertainment reporter Marcela Isaza poses backstage at the 63rd Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Thursday, March 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)LOS ANGELES – I have covered the Grammy Awards for the Associated Press for 15 years. Built around performances, full of singing and shouting, and with the biggest crowd of any awards show, the Grammys seem uniquely wrong for a world still in the coronavirus pandemic. The AP workspace is set off with high, thick black curtains, and they are constantly replenishing us with masks and hand sanitizer. AdOutside the sprawling building, carpenters and technicians have been building the stages that will be a hub for Sunday’s awards.
For Trevor Noah, Grammy Awards a return to in-person hosting
FILE - Trevor Noah arrives at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 26, 2020. Noah will host the 2021 Grammy Awards on Sunday. “If you get asked to host the Grammys, I don’t think you take long to say ‘yes,’” said the Emmy winner, who will host Sunday's Grammy Awards from downtown Los Angeles. Ad“Unlike most award shows, the Grammys also are about the performances,” said Noah. So far, Noah said venturing out to prepare for his Grammy hosting duties around other people has been “amazing” and “surreal.” While watching rehearsals, he said the performances gave him and others life.
New this week: 'Cherry,' 'Bloodlands' & Kids' Choice Awards
This combination photo shows key art for the Acorn TV series "Bloodlands," premiering March 15, left, key art for the Apple TV+ film "Cherry," center, and key art for Nickelodeons "Kids Choice Awards," hosted by Kenan Thompson and airing on March 13. (Acorn TV/Apple TV+/Nickelodeon via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Ad—AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC— The 2021 Grammys will hand out 84 awards Sunday, but what’s more exciting? Other performers include Chris Martin, John Mayer, Doja Cat, Maren Morris, DaBaby, HAIM, Lil Baby, Brandi Carlile, Roddy Ricch, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Mickey Guyton and Black Pumas. Ad— Grown-ups don’t have a lock on awards shows, as Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards proves once again.
Grammy performers: Taylor Swift, BTS, Cardi B, Billie Eilish
FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2019 photo, Billie Eilish performs during the first weekend of the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. Eilish will perform at this month's Grammy Awards. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Taylor Swift, BTS, Cardi B and Billie Eilish are set to perform at next week’s Grammy Awards. The Grammys were originally supposed to take place on Jan. 31 but were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Beyoncé is leading nominee with nine, followed by Swift, Lipa and Ricch, who each earned six nominations.
Fox News gives satirist Greg Gutfeld a weeknight talk show
This image released by Fox News Channel shows host Greg Gitfeld. Fox News Channel says it will give a weeknight talk show to its hard-edged satirist, Greg Gutfeld, starting this spring. Gutfeld has been hosting a weekend talk show and been a panelist on "The Five." (Fox News Channel via AP)NEW YORK – Fox News Channel says it is giving a weeknight talk show this spring to its hard-edged satirical personality, Greg Gutfeld, in a further expansion of its opinion programming. Another recent segment mocked White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki's use of the phrase “circle back” to answer questions where she had to check for further details.
Chadwick Boseman earns 2 nominations for NAACP Image Awards
This image released by Netflix shows Michael Potts, from left, Chadwick Boseman and Colman Domingo in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." Boseman was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for outstanding actor in a motion picture for his performance in the film. Boseman was also nominated in the supporting actor in a motion picture for his role in the SPike Lee film "Da 5 Bloods." (David Lee/Netflix via AP)LOS ANGELES – With his final two performances, the late Chadwick Boseman earned two NAACP Image Awards nominations Tuesday, while “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” could make its presence felt at next month’s ceremony. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” came away with nine nominations.
Colorado student, scientist named Time's 'Kid of the Year'
LONE TREE, Colo. – A 15-year-old Colorado high school student and young scientist who has used artificial intelligence and created apps to tackle contaminated drinking water, cyberbullying, opioid addiction and other social problems has been named Time Magazine's first-ever “Kid of the Year." Rao told The Associated Press in a Zoom interview from her home Friday that the prize is "nothing that I could have ever imagined. Rao has partnered with rural schools; museums; science, technology, engineering and mathematics organizations; and other institutions to run innovation workshops for thousands of other students. Science and technology are being employed as never before to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, global warming and a host of other issues, she noted. “Anybody can do science.”Time was planning a Kid of the Year broadcast special at 7:30 p.m. EST (5:30 p.m. MST) on Nickelodeon.
A 'Black Parade' Grammys: Beyoncé leads with 9 nominations
(Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Beyoncé is bringing her Black parade to the Grammys: The pop star’s anthem about Black pride scored multiple nominations Tuesday, making her the leading contender with nine. A winner of 24 Grammys, Beyoncé becomes the second-most nominated act in the history of the awards show with 79 nominations. Beyoncé is only behind her husband Jay-Z and Quincy Jones, who have both earned 80 nominations each. Jay-Z picked up three nominations this year for his contributions to Beyoncé’s songs: He co-wrote “Black Parade” and “Savage,” thus earning nominations for song of the year, best R&B song and best rap song. Instead, multiple nominations went to Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Roddy Ricch, who each earned six nominations and followed Beyoncé as the second-most nominated acts.
Trevor Noah to host 2021 Grammy Awards
NEW YORK – “The Daily Show” host and comedian Trevor Noah has been tapped to host the 2021 Grammy Awards. The Recording Academy made the announcement hours before the nominees for the upcoming show are revealed. It would mark Noah's first time hosting the Grammys, which will be held Jan. 31. Earlier this year, Noah competed for his first Grammy Award: The 36-year-old Emmy winner was nominated for best comedy album with “Son of Patricia," but lost to Dave Chappelle. See you at the 63rd GRAMMYs!”Alicia Keys was the most recent Grammys host.
Debate commission says it will make changes to format
NEW YORK – The presidential debate commission says it will soon adopt changes to its format to avoid a repeat of the disjointed first meeting between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. The next presidential debate is a town hall format scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami. He called on the debate commission to act. Wallace is the only presidential debate moderator this cycle with prior experience, after receiving praise for handling the final Clinton-Trump debate in 2016. Scully moderates the Miami debate, a town hall format where citizens get to ask questions, which may make interruptions more difficult.
Gina Yashere memoir 'Cack-Handed' to be released in June
NEW YORK – Gina Yashere has some tough stories to share but also some inspiring ones. A memoir by the comedian, writer and producer and actor is called, “Cack-Handed” and comes out June 8, Amistad announced Monday. “The definition of cack-handed is left-handed, which I am, and also awkward and clumsy, which I am. It also represents the unconventional track my life and career has taken," Yashere said in a statement. ___This story has been corrected to show that Gina Yashere was an elevator engineer, not an elevator operator.
Guilfoyle's loud RNC speech makes her the comics' favorite
Stephen Colbert mimicked poking his head out from under a table after playing a clip of Guilfoyle on CBS' Late Show." I'm glad we already have kids, because I think I was sterilized by that.He called Guilfoyle a vengeful banshee who will haunt your dreams.On The Daily Show, Trevor Noah said Guilfoyle's speech was so loud that Canada called the cops. I want to wish a speedy recovery for anyone who watched the convention on headphones, he said. MSNBC's Morning Joe ran portions of her speech side-by-side with Dwight Schrute's classic award acceptance speech in The Office.Somewhere, Kimmel was taking notes. That stands in contrast to Colbert, who is doing the Late Show live for the two weeks of the convention.
Timing of Carlson's vacation familiar to Fox News viewers
NEW YORK Maybe the trout will be running this week for Fox News' Tucker Carlson. Either way, the vacation he announced on Monday and says was planned in advance should be familiar to Fox viewers who are used to seeing its personalities go away to cool off when the heat is on. His fishing trip is at least the sixth example in a little more than three years of a Fox star's vacation in close proximity to a controversy about their work. Then he said he was going to spend the next four days trout fishing. A Fox representative confirmed the vacation was planned before the Neff story broke.
Saints Jenkins: Brees' apology "microcosm of what's needed
NEW ORLEANS New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins said his criticism of Drew Brees opposition about kneeling during the national anthem, and Brees later apology, is a microcosm of what the county needs. Jenkins went ahead to post a video on his Instagram page calling his teammate part of the problem." He told Noah the video was filmed before he spoke with Brees about his comments, but he decided to post it after they spoke. I think my interaction with Drew is a microcosm to what we need to do as a country, Jenkins said. After Brees comments aired during an interview with Yahoo earlier this month, he was criticized by other high-profile athletes, including LeBron James.
Biden: Main worry is Trump will try to 'steal this election'
WASHINGTON Joe Biden says his chief worry is that President Donald Trump will attempt to steal the November election, and the Democratic challenger says he's even considered the possibility that the Republican incumbent would refuse to leave the White House should he lose. My single greatest concern: This presidents going to try and steal this election, Biden said on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, which aired Wednesday night. I have," Biden said, before suggesting that the military could step in to ensure a peaceful transition of power. "I am absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch, the former vice president said. Biden has previously suggested that Trump's opposition to mail-in ballots could upend the presidential election.
Boundary-pushing Dave Chappelle receives Mark Twain award
WASHINGTON, DC – Dave Chappelle has built a career on pushing boundaries and challenging social conventions. Rapper and actor Common praised Dave Chappelle's bravery and sociological influence. Musician John Legend paid tribute to Chappelle's passion for music and determination to use his influence to spotlight different artists. At the height of his fame, Chappelle organized "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" — a movie built around an all-star concert featuring Legend, the Roots and a reunion of The Fugees. Chappelle spoke with reverence about the Mark Twain prize and the "art form" of stand-up comedy.